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Nursing

Nursing

Associates of Applied Science

About the Nursing Program

Prepare to become an entry level nurse as part of a heath care team. Graduates must demonstrate critical thinking, clinical judgment, and clinical competence. The educational framework consists of the nursing process and is used to care for individuals across the lifespan. Our philosophy incorporates faculty beliefs regarding nursing, health, person, community, nursing education, and nursing practice. Educational methodologies include lecture, small and large group discussions, computer-assisted instruction, and clinical experiences in a variety of settings.

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Program Outline

Focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients within alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief/loss, mobility, integument, and fluid/electrolyte balance.

Introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications.

2.00

1054310400

Nsg Intro Clinical PracticeDescription

Introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse-client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.

2.00

1080119500

Written CommunicationDescription

Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments is designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

3.00

1080617700

General Anatomy and PhysiologyDescription

Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients. Prerequisite(s): 1083613300 Prep for Basic Chemistry (C or better) or 2080624000 Survey of Chemistry (C or better).

4.00

1080918800

Developmental PsychologyDescription

Study of human development throughout the lifespan. Explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

3.00

Semester: 2

Course #

Course Title

Credits

1054310500

Nursing Health AlterationsDescription

Elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. Applies theories of nursing in the care of clients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. Provides an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply therapeutic nursing interventions. Also introduces the concepts of leadership, team building, and scope of practice. Prerequisite(s): 1054310400 Nsg Intro Clinical Practice (C or better).

3.00

1054310600

Nursing Health PromotionDescription

Focuses on topics related to health promotion for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of healthy families, we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development. Prerequisite(s): 1054310400 Nsg Intro Clinical Practice (C or better).

3.00

1054310700

Nsg Clinical Care Across LifespanDescription

Clinical experience which applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): 1054310400 Nsg Intro Clinical Practice (C or better).

2.00

1054310800

Nsg Intro Clinical Care MgtDescription

Applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of clients across the lifespan. Provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building. Prerequisite(s): 1054310400 Nsg Intro Clinical Practice (C or better).

2.00

1080119600

Oral Interpersonal CommunicationDescription

Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects.

3.00

1080617900

Advanced Anatomy and PhysiologyDescription

Second semester in a two-semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Experimentation within a science lab will include analysis of cellular metabolism, the individual components of body systems such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary. Continued examination of homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluid, electrolyte, acid-base balance, and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included. Prerequisite(s): 1080617700 General Anatomy and Physiology (C or better).

4.00

Semester: 3

Course #

Course Title

Credits

1054310900

Nsg Complex Health Alterations 1Description

Prepares the learner to expand knowledge from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematologic systems as well as clients with fluid/electrolyte and acid base imbalance, and alterations in comfort. Prerequisite(s): 1054310700 Nsg Clinical Care Across Lifespan (C or better) and 1054310800 Nsg Intro Clinical Care Mgt (C or better).

3.00

1054311000

Nsg Mental Health Community ConDescription

Covers topics related to the delivery of community and mental health care. Specific health needs of individuals, families, and groups will be addressed across the lifespan. Attention will be given to diverse and at-risk populations. Mental health concepts will concentrate on adaptive/maladaptive behaviors and specific mental health disorders. Community resources are examined in relation to specific types of support offered to racial, ethnic, and economically diverse individuals and groups. Prerequisite(s): 1054310700 Nsg Clinical Care Across Lifespan (C or better) and 1054310800 Nsg Intro Clinical Care Mgt (C or better).

2.00

1054311100

Nsg Intermediate Clinical PracticeDescription

Intermediate level clinical course develops the RN role when working with clients with complex health care needs. Focuses on developing skills needed for managing multiple clients across the lifespan and priorities. Using the nursing process, students gain experience in adapting nursing practice to meet the needs of clients with diverse needs and backgrounds. Prerequisite(s): 1054311200 Nursing Advanced Skills (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

Examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Addresses disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes. Examines the role and microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): 1080617700 General Anatomy and Physiology (C or better).

4.00

1080919800

Introduction to PsychologyDescription

This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. It directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.

3.00

Semester: 4

Course #

Course Title

Credits

1054311300

Nsg Complex Health Alterations 2Description

Prepares the learner to expand knowledge and skills from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in the immune, neuro-sensory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal/urinary, and reproductive systems. The learner will also focus on management of care for clients with high-risk prenatal conditions, high-risk newborns, and the ill child. Synthesis and application of previously learned concepts will be evident in the management on clients with critical/life threatening situations. Prerequisite(s): 1054311100 Nsg Intermediate Clinical Practice (C or better).

3.00

1054311400

Nsg Management Professional ConceptsDescription

Covers nursing management and professional issues related to the role of the RN. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the RN practice. Prerequisite(s): 1054311100 Nsg Intermediate Clinical Practice (C or better).

2.00

1054311500

Nsg Advanced Clinical PracticeDescription

Requires the student to integrate concepts from all previous courses in the management of groups of clients facing complex health alterations. Students will have the opportunity to further develop critical thinking skills using the nursing process in making clinical decisions. Continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): 1054311100 Nsg Intermediate Clinical Practice (C or better).

3.00

1054311600

Nursing Clinical TransitionDescription

Clinical experience which integrates all knowledge learned in the previous courses in transitioning to the role of the graduate nurse. Promotes relatively independent clinical decisions, delegation, and working collaboratively with others to achieve client and organizational outcomes. Continued professional development is fostered. Prerequisite(s): 1054311500 Nsg Advanced Clinical Practice (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

2.00

1080917200

Introduction to Diversity StudiesDescription

Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and religion are explored.

3.00

Total Credits: 65.00

Talk with an Academic Advisor about the program outline. Together, you will determine if credits you've already earned satisfy any requirements, discuss possible alternative courses, and choose the best classes if you're thinking of transferring.

At A Glance

Flexible Options

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On Campus

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OnLine

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On Location

Approximate Cost

$14,141*

What You'll Learn

Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving professional identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy and quality care.

Demonstrate appropriate written, verbal, and nonverbal communication in a variety of clinical contexts.

Your Potential Careers

Median Annual Salary

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More About the Nursing Program

The nursing program is approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensed practical and/or registered nurse. The Wisconsin Technical College System nursing programs strive to provide a seamless nursing curriculum that is flexible and accessible to learners on a statewide basis. At the completion of the first year of the program, students have the option of submitting an application to the state Board of Nursing to take the examination for licensure as a practical nurse.

Credit for Prior Learning

Based on prior experience and skills, qualified Veteran medics and EMS workers may be able to test out of some classes. Contact the Dean of Health Occupations, at 715.365.4539 to learn about earning credit for what you already know.

Eligibility Requirements - HESI A2 Exam

Completion of admission requirements as a pre-nursing student

Completion of developmental courses in the following areas based on Accuplacer entrance test scores

Successful completion of two semesters of high school chemistry with grades of "C" or better or one semester of college chemistry with a grade of "C" or better

Successful completion of the nursing assistant course or verification of completion of the nursing assistant course

Completion of General Anatomy & Physiology with a grade of "C" or better

Completion of online course ADN Introductory Meeting

The next step is to petition to take the HESI A2 exam (directions sent to students prior to each exam by advisor)

Nursing program acceptance is dependent upon HESI A2 scores

Advanced Standing for Licensed Practical Nurses

LPNs licensed in Wisconsin may enter the third semester of the nursing program, provided all first and second semester general education courses are completed with a “C” or better.

Also required is the successful completion of the LPN to RN Bridge course and/or successful competency testing in nursing skills. Candidates must have a current Practical Nursing license and be eligible to practice in the state of Wisconsin. LPN credits (nursing credits from prior diploma) are held in escrow until third semester nursing courses are completed with a “C” or better. Contact the academic advisor for details.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Any comments related to program accreditation or verification of the program’s status can be obtained from Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.